Discover the unknowable, strange, beautiful, and surprising diamond in the rough that is North-Eastern Estonia. This tour is a look at a completely different side of Estonian life, one you will not regret getting a glimpse of.

Join us for a 12-hour day trip down the North-Eastern coast of Estonia. Our knowledgeable local guides take a small group, up to 8 people, for a fun filled day all the way to the Russian border and back. On the way we’ll roam around the ruins of Toolse fortress right next to the seaside. You’ll see the industrial landscapes of Estonia with oil shale mines and manmade ash hills at Kohtla-Järve along with some classic Soviet architecture from the heyday of the mining. Go from working mines to abandoned ghost towns like Viivikonna and see what happens when life moves on but houses are left behind.

We’ll visit Sillamäe, a city that in Soviet time was so secret that it did not officially even exist. Sillamäe is known for its unique ensemble of Stalinist architecture and some quirky local museums. Most importantly you’ll also discover Narva, the third biggest city in Estonia. In Narva we’ll stop by old Krenholm Manufacturing Company buildings to appreciate the scale of industry in czars time. We’ll look across the Narva river at Russia and visit the Narva castle towering over the border.

On the tour we’ll stop for lunch at Kohtla-Järve or if you prefer, to buy snacks for the road. Kindly let our guides know if you have any special dietary needs that we should take in account. Location of the lunch is subject to availability and the meal is not included in the price of the tour.

What's included & not included

Additional info

Confirmation will be received within 24 hours of booking.

All tours are subject to availability.

Minimum numbers for group size apply. There is a possibility of cancellation even after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative tour or full refund.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress according to the weather and wear proper shoes for walking (waterproof would be great in winter). In summer there is an option to swim in a bog lake.

The visited spots might differ depending on the season and weather conditions.

Infant seats are available on request during the booking.

All our public group tours are in ENGLISH. Private tours are available in different languages.

Thousands of
Happy Customers

"Great way to see Estonia "

We had a great day with Kert and especially enjoyed the abandoned town, which looked great in the snow! It's a long day but there's plenty to see and it's an excellent way to see a bit more of the country outside Tallinn. Kert was a nice guy and a great driver too!

Nick, UK‧
January 3, 2019

"Trip back in time to the Soviet era"

This was a very interesting tour, looking back at life in Soviet times and how it has changed. Liine, our guide was very knowledgeable and we learnt so much about the past. Being able to stare into Russia from the very interesting Narva castle was a memorable experience. The trip is long but we stopped regularly in various places, where Liine explained their significant stories.

Hilary Noble, UK‧
September 12, 2018

"The wild northeast of Estonia"

Great solo tour with Kert to the northeast of Estonia. A fascinating day of history both ancient and recent in a beautiful part of Europe. So much to see and do in a land of contrasts. Expect your preconceptions to be challenged, and enjoy a fun day out.
Kert is an exceptional guide - knowledgeable, witty, accommodating and fun.

John, Australia‧
September 4, 2018

"Excellent Private Tour"

Narva and the Eastern Bloc Private day tour was a very interesting and enjoyable day. Our guide Laura was very knowledgeable and imparted plenty of information for us. She made the tour enjoyable, informative and full of extra information. We enjoyed walking along the edge of the Narva river which is the border with Russia. We would highly recommend doing this tour, to learn about the countryside and towns out of Tallinn. Well done Laura and thank you!

Stephen, Australia‧
May 27, 2018

"Very special tour"

Thank you so much for an amazing journey into the past Soviet history of the country. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly.

Robert, The Netherlands‧
May 2, 2018

"Outstanding trip to Narva and Eastern Block Sites"

Kert Oun was the guide for an extremely enjoyable and educational outing from Tallinn to Narva and many sites with buildings from the Soviet era. A history buff, he went in depth on each site and the history of Estonia and it's people. He was also highly respectful of the local people during our visits to various towns. Don't miss this tour if you can manage it, especially if Kert is the guide.

Rundel, France‧
August 28, 2017

"Narva & The Eastern Bloc tour"

I attended Narva tour and it was a great experience for me! We visited places I would not be able to discover on my own, a spooky abandoned village and a huge former cotton factory, historical soviet buildings, castle on the very boarder with Russia and other cool places where the time has stopped and we could "taste" the forgotten fame from the past.
Kert was a very nice guide with knowledge of the history and explained to us all the interesting background of the places. He was very friendly and together with other tourists, the tour turned to an exciting trip of friends.

Sandra, Slovakia‧
July 22, 2017

"Narva & Eastern Bloc Tour"

Travelling with Kert and Isabel has been a great pleasure. The day-tour has been filled with information about this out-of-the-way part of Estonia - historical as well as modern times have been covered by the profund knowledge of Kert. Both guides were great company (as were the other guest) and I had lots of fun. And thanks for the safe driving.
Thanks again and all the best to you

Tom, Germany‧
July 4, 2017

"Narva tour"

I took the tour to Narva last year with Kert as a tour guide.
What I enjoyed the most was that there was never a rush, unlike most other tours I have been to.
Kert had answers to all my questions. We all got along really well and it felt like I was travelling with a group of friends. Narva tour would be a perfect fit for someone who is interested in soviet era and exploring abandoned places. Everything was excellent!

Kris, UK‧
May 30, 2017

"Excellent guiding"

We had a private tour with Kert last week from Tallinn to Narva. We enjoyed the full day with excellent guiding to historic places. Ingrid and Claes

Claes Hansson, Sweden‧
May 14, 2017

"Well done private tour to Narva"

We booked this full-day tour online in advance in order to see something different and spend a day with a local, away from the Capital. We were too sure what to expect, but found the experience well worth our time and the expense. We inquired about changing the date of the booking by a day due to more favorable weather and also asked about changing our final payment from cash to credit card and they effortlessly agreed. Our guide, Kert, was very timely, courteous and accommodating to our requests throughout the day. He provided good and interesting commentary and answered our many questions with plenty of details. Complements to Kert and Tallinn Traveller Tours for a job well done.

Tracy, US‧
May 6, 2017

"A wonderful day on the Narva tour"

A massive thank you to JJ. I learnt and saw a lot in one day. His local knowledge and anecdotes made it a memorable day. If you want to see the side of Estonia not usually seen by tourists, then this is the tour for you. Also thank you to Marii, for suggesting the tour for me. To sum up; great value, great lunch, great guide and most of all a tour that does exactly what it says. See you next time.

"Highly recommended"

I've had an interesting, very well organized and informative tour to Narva with a wonderful guide Reelika! Before Narva we saw also Kohtla-Jarve, Sillamae, an old train station and a factory, a ghost town, a tank T-34, a lot of industrial things that I like so! I'm Russian but it was very interesting to see this part of a post soviet territory! We were only 5 and Reelika drive us in a car herself. It was a excellent day!!!!

Vera, Russia‧
August 3, 2014

We had a great trip with George on Saturday June 28th to Narva. This was a great experience and George a great guide. We strongly recommend this tour, to all, who wants to understand about estonian history.

Iris and Gerd, Germany‧
June 29, 2014

"Shall use them again"

I want to thank Jevgeni for a wonderful day tour in Narva. We learned so much- in his calm was of speaking he was able to explain the history and plight of Estonia . He was a real professional, always smiling and accomodating. Highly recommended as was Marii who organized this for us. I shall use their services again for other trips, as I am presently living in Tallinn and want to see and learn as much as posible while here.

Nora, Israel‧
June 18, 2014

"A wonderful day tour in Narva"

I want to thank Jevgeni for a wonderful day tour in Narva.
We learned so much- in his calm was of speaking he was able to explain the history and plight of Estonia . He was a real professional, always smiling and accomodating. Highly recommended as was Marii who organized this for us. I shall use their services again for other trips, as I am presently living in Tallinn and want to see and learn as much as posible while here.

Nora, Israel ‧
May 2, 2014

"An absolute adventure"

When I travel, I crave new and different experiences. The only way I can describe Narva & Eastern Bloc Tallinn tour is an absolute adventure. Going to the Russian/Estonian Border seeing relics of the Old Communist Occupation in the east and learning about the immense history of the region were all highlights. The guides were great. I'd go back again in a heartbeat, even if it's just for the herring.

Andrew, New York‧
July 12, 2013

"Very accommodating with a last-minute booking"

A friend and I were thrilled to be taken on one of the first full tours of Narva & the Eastern Bloc from Tallinn. We spent more than 12 hours covering incredible ground with a very wide variety of historical, political and natural sights. Our host was informative and enthusiastic and very accommodating with a last-minute booking. Even if you've got a small group of two or three people interested, it's well worth inquiring about a private tour any day of the week, beyond the standard Saturdays that they suggest.